Channel check test system

ABSTRACT

When there is an error in setting of a companding law of an encoder or a decoder, there is a problem of an error in judgment although it should be originally judged that the continuity of the testing channel does not exist. 
     Therefore, a channel check test system includes a transmitting side DCME for inserting a nonlinear quantized input test pattern into a channel to be tested, and a receiving side DCME. The receiving side DCME includes an adder for adding an offset value to an output value of a linear converting section, a sign extracting section for extracting a sign from an output signal of the adder, a delay unit for delaying the extracted sign, an exclusive OR arithmetic unit for performing an exclusive OR operation of the extracted sign and an output signal of the delay unit, a counter for counting the number of times of conformity in which an output value of the exclusive OR arithmetic unit is in conformity with a predetermined value, and a comparator for comparing a counted value of the counter and a threshold value and outputting judged results. 
     Existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be tested can be checked including an error in setting of the PCM companding law in one of the transmitting side DCME and the receiving side DCME.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of Application No. 09/634,765, filed onAug. 7, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,260 and for which priority isclaimed under 35 U.S.C. §120. Application Ser. No. 09/634,765 is thenational phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP99/06771 filedon Dec. 2, 1999 under 35 U.S.C. §371. The entire contents of each of theabove-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference. Thisapplication also claims priority of Application No. 10-347103 filed inJapan on Dec. 7, 1998 under 35 U.S.C. §119.

This is a continuation of International Application PCT/JP99/06771, withan international filing date of Dec. 2, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a channel check test system forchecking the continuity of a channel in digital circuit multiplicationequipment (hereinafter called “DCME”).

BACKGROUND ART

The DCME is known as an equipment for transmitting a voice signal over atelephone communication line with high efficiency using low rateencoding technique and a digital speech interpolation technique. In thisDCME, a channel check test for checking existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of a transmission channel is made.

A conventional channel check test system will be explained withreference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure ofthe conventional channel check test system.

In FIG. 12, reference numerals 1 and 2 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME and a receiving side DCME. Reference numeral 3designates an input signal nonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-lawand inputted to the transmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator4 generates an input test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law orthe μ-law. An A-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input testpattern data nonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input patterndata memory 4 b accumulates input test pattern data nonlinear-quantizedby the μ-law. Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A testpattern insertion circuit 5 inserts an output signal of the inputpattern generator 4 into a channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes anoutput signal of the test pattern insertion circuit 5 with highefficiency.

In this figure, a decoder 7 decodes the encoded signal. Referencenumerals 8 a and 8 b respectively designate a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2. An output pattern generator 9generates an output test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law. An A-law output pattern data memory 9 a stores output testpattern data nonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law output patterndata memory 9 b stores output test pattern data nonlinear-quantized bythe μ-law. Reference numeral 9 c designates a selector. A comparator 10compares the decoded signal 8 a and the output test pattern. A counter11 counts the number of conformity bits of the output test pattern andthe decoded signal 8 a. A judging circuit 12 judges existence ornonexistence of the continuity of a channel on the basis of an output ofthe counter 11. Reference numeral 13 designates judged results.Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d designate companding lawsetting signals.

An operation of the above-mentioned conventional channel check testsystem will next be explained with reference to the drawings.

The operation of the conventional channel check test system with respectto an operated channel which is not being tested, i.e., a channel fortransmitting a voice talking signal will first be explained.

An input signal 3 inputted to the transmitting side DCME 1 is providedto the encoder 6 without inserting the input test pattern into thissignal in the test pattern insertion circuit 5 and is encoded with highefficiency. Output data of the encoder 6 are outputted to the receivingside DCME 2.

The input signal 3 is a PCM signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law orthe μ-law prescribed in ITU Recommendation G.711. When a companding lawof the nonlinear quantization of the input signal 3 is the A-law, thecompanding law setting signal 14 b is provided such that an operatingmode of the encoder 6 is set to the A-law. In contrast to this, when thecompanding law of the input signal 3 is the μ-law, the companding lawsetting signal 14 b is provided such that the operating mode of theencoder 6 is set to the μ-law.

In the receiving side DCME 2, the received output data of the encoder 6are decoded in the decoder 7, and are outputted as an output signal 8 bfrom the receiving side DCME 2. The output signal 8 b from the receivingside DCME 2 is also a PCM signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law. The companding law setting signal 14 c is provided, and anoperating mode of the decoder 7 is set such that the output signal 8 bfrom the receiving side DCME 2 is set to a predetermined companding law(the A-law or the μ-law).

The operation of the conventional channel check test system with respectto the channel which is being tested will next be explained.

The input pattern generator 4 generates an input test pattern forchecking the channel. The test pattern insertion circuit 5 outputs thisinput test pattern instead of the input signal 3 inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1 to the encoder 6. The encoder 6 encodes theinput test pattern with high efficiency, and output data of the encoder6 are outputted to the receiving side DCME 2.

It is necessary to set the companding law of the input test patternoutputted from the input pattern generator 4 in conformity with thecompanding law of the encoder 6. Therefore, one of output data of theA-law input pattern data memory 4 a and output data of the μ-law inputpattern data memory 4 b is selected in the selector 4 c in accordancewith a companding law setting signal 14 a and is made to be an outputsignal of the input pattern generator 4.

In the receiving side DCME 2, the received output data of the encoder 6are decoded in the decoder 7. Each bit of a decoded signal 8 a outputtedfrom this decoder 7 is compared with the corresponding bit of an outputsignal of the output pattern generator 9 in the comparator 10. Outputdata of the output pattern generator 9 should be an expected pattern ofthe decoded signal obtained by firstly encoding the output signal of theinput pattern generator 4 and secondly re-decoding this encoded signal.

It is necessary to set the companding law of the output test patternoutputted from the output pattern generator 9 in conformity with thecompanding law of the decoder 7. Therefore, one of output data of theA-law output pattern data memory 9 a and the μ-law output pattern datamemory 9 b is selected in the selector 9 c in accordance with acompanding law setting signal 14 d and is made to be an output signal ofthe output pattern generator 9.

Compared results of each bit outputted from the comparator 10 areinputted to the counter 11 and this counter 11 counts the number ofnonconformity bits within a predetermined time. The counted number ofnonconformity bits outputted from the counter 11 is inputted to thejudging circuit 12. When the counted value exceeds a predeterminedvalue, the judging circuit 12 judges that the continuity of the testingchannel does not exist. In contrast to this, when the counted value doesnot exceed the predetermined value, the comparing circuit 12 judges thatthe continuity of the testing channel exists, and outputs results 13 ofthis judgment.

In the channel check test system constructed above, when plural codingsystems (e.g., coding systems prescribed in ITU Recommendations G.726,G.728, G.729, etc.) are supported in the DCME, one of the solution forthis case is to prepare an input test pattern and an output test patternin accordance with the coding systems separately. However, when theinput test pattern and the output test pattern are respectively preparedin accordance with the coding systems, a problem exists in that acircuit scale of the channel check test system is large-sized.

A system for checking continuity by using a tone signal as the inputtest pattern and monitoring a sign bit of an output of the decoder 7within the receiving side DCME 2 is considered as a method able to becommonly used irrespective of the coding systems with a simplestructure.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of another conventionalchannel check test system shown in e.g. Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 7-131832.

In FIG. 13, reference numerals 100, 101 and 102 respectively designate afrequency information detecting section, a sign bit and a delay circuitfor delaying the sign bit 101 by a data amount for about a half periodof an input digital tone signal. An exclusive OR circuit 103 inputs thesign bit 101 and the output of the delay circuit 102 thereto andcalculates an exclusive OR. A nonconformity number integral periodcounter 104 determines the number of added data of an output of theexclusive OR circuit 103. A nonconformity number adding integrator 105adds and integrates the output of the exclusive OR circuit 103corresponding to the data amount determined by the nonconformity numberintegral period counter 104. A nonconformity number comparator 106judges conformity or nonconformity with respect to a frequency of theinput digital tone signal in accordance with an output of thenonconformity number adding integrator 105.

An operation of another conventional channel check test system will nextbe explained.

If the digital tone signal is a normal digital tone signal, the sign bit101 continuously repeats “0” and “1” every half period. The frequencyinformation detecting section 100 detects this continuous repetition of“0” and “1” as follows. Namely, the sign bit 101 is delayed by the halfperiod in the delay circuit 102. The sign bit 101 and the output of thedelay circuit 102 are inputted to the exclusive OR circuit 103. Theexclusive OR circuit 103 calculates an exclusive OR of the sign bit 101and the output of the delay circuit 102.

Thus, as shown by a numerical reference 114 of FIG. 14(e), all outputsof the exclusive OR circuit 13 show “1” when the digital tone signal isthe normal digital tone signal. The outputs of this exclusive OR circuit103 are added to each other by a data number designated by thenonconformity number integral period counter 104 by using thenonconformity number adding integrator 105. An output of thenonconformity number adding integrator 105 corresponds to a degree ofthe continuous repetition of “0” and “1” every half period of the signbit 101. Then, frequency is inspected by inspecting the output of thenonconformity number adding integrator 105 by the nonconformity numbercomparator 106.

Since another conventional channel check test system is constructed asmentioned above, the continuity of a channel can be checked by a simplestructure by detecting the periodic repetition of the sign bit.

However, there are the following problems when another conventionalchannel check test system having the above structure of FIG. 13 isapplied to the DCME.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example in which anotherconventional channel check test system having the structure of FIG. 13is applied to the DCME.

In FIG. 15, an internal operation of the transmitting side DCME 1 is thesame as the internal operation of the transmitting side DCME 1 explainedin the structure of FIG. 12. In contrast to this, in the receiving sideDCME 2, an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-lawfrom the decoder 7 is provided to a sign extracting section 108 and asign bit 101 is extracted. The sign bit 101 is inputted to the frequencyinformation detecting section 100 and existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of a channel is judged by detecting periodic repetition ofthe sign bit 101. A detailed operation of this frequency informationdetecting section 100 is equal to that explained in the structure ofFIG. 13.

In FIG. 15, for example, an operation of the channel check test systemwill be considered when both a companding law of the input signal 3 tothe transmitting side DCME 1 and a companding law of the output signal 8b from the receiving side DCME 2 are the μ-law. In this case, it isnecessary to operate the encoder 6 within the transmitting side DCME 1and the decoder 7 within the receiving side DCME 2 by the μ-law.However, it is here supposed that the decoder 7 is operated erroneouslyby the A-law by an error in the companding law setting signal 14 c.

Assume that a series of signals as shown in a table of FIG. 16 is usedas the input test pattern. The signal series shown in the table of FIG.16 shows a tone signal having 500 Hz in frequency and 3 dBm0 in signallevel (in the case of 8 kHz in sampling frequency).

Influences of the deterioration of a signal waveform on coding anddecoding are neglected to simplify the explanation. If the channel checktest system is set such that both the encoder 6 and the decoder 7 arecorrectly operated by the μ-law, the pattern of a decoded signal 8 aoutputted from the decoder 7 should be the same as an input test patternshown in the table of FIG. 16. However, when the decoder 7 isincorrectly operated by the A-law by the error in the companding lawsetting signal 14 c, the pattern of the decoded signal 8 a outputtedfrom the decoder 7 shows values in a table of FIG. 17.

The signal series shown in the table of FIG. 16 and the signal seriesshown in the table of FIG. 17 are different from each other. However,when only a sign bit is noticed, a period of the sign bit of the signalseries in the table of FIG. 16 is equal to a period of the sign bit ofthe signal series shown in the table of FIG. 17. Further, the frequencyinformation detecting section 100 for judging existence or nonexistenceof the continuity of a channel by detecting periodic repetition of thesign bit should originally judge that the continuity does not exist whenthere is an error in setting of the companding law of the decoder 7.However, a problem exists in that the frequency information detectingsection 100 judges that the continuity of the channel exists.

The above explanation is made with respect to the operation of thechannel check test system when the companding law of the decoder 7 isset erroneously. However, there is also a similar problem in theoperation of the channel check test system when the companding law ofthe encoder 6 is set erroneously.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of this invention is toprovide a channel check test system applicable to a DCME and able toperform a detecting operation including an error in setting of acompanding law (A-law/μ-law) and able to be realized by a simplestructure.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To achieve this object, a channel check test system according to thisinvention comprises a transmitting side DCME including an input patterngenerator for generating a nonlinear quantized input test pattern; atest pattern insertion circuit for inserting an output signal of theinput pattern generator into a channel to be tested; and an encoder forencoding an output signal of the test pattern insertion circuit withhigh efficiency; and a receiving side DCME including a decoder fordecoding a received signal from the channel to be tested; a linearconverting section for converting the decoded signal to a linearquantized PCM signal; an adder for adding a predetermined offset valueto an output value of the linear converting section; a sign extractingsection for extracting a sign from an output signal of the adder; adelay unit for delaying the extracted sign by a predetermined time; anexclusive OR arithmetic unit for performing an exclusive OR operation ofthe extracted sign and an output signal of the delay unit; a counter forcounting the number of times of conformity in which an output value ofthe exclusive OR arithmetic unit is in conformity with a predeterminedvalue; and a comparator for comparing a counted value of the counter anda predetermined threshold value and outputting judged results.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thereceiving side DCME includes a second comparator for comparing theoutput value of the linear converting section and a second predeterminedthreshold value instead of the adder and the sign extracting section;the delay unit delays an output signal of the second comparator by apredetermined time; and the exclusive OR arithmetic unit performs theexclusive OR operation of the output signal of the second comparator andthe output signal of the delay unit.

Further, a channel check test system according to this inventioncomprises a transmitting side DCME including an input pattern generatorfor generating a nonlinear quantized input test pattern; a test patterninsertion circuit for inserting an output signal of the input patterngenerator into a channel to be tested; and an encoder for encoding anoutput signal of the test pattern insertion circuit with highefficiency; and a receiving side DCME including a decoder for decoding areceived signal from the channel to be tested; a linear convertingsection for converting the decoded signal to a linear quantized PCMsignal; an adder for adding a predetermined offset value to an outputvalue of the linear converting section; a zero crossing numbercalculating section for calculating a zero crossing number of an outputvalue of the adder; a first comparator for comparing a value of the zerocrossing number outputted from the zero crossing number calculatingsection and a first predetermined threshold value and outputting firstcompared result; a second comparator for comparing the value of the zerocrossing number outputted from the zero crossing number calculatingsection and a second predetermined threshold value and outputting secondcompared result; and a judging circuit for judging existence ornonexistence of continuity of the channel to be tested on the basis ofthe first and second compared results.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thereceiving side DCME includes a zero crossing interval calculatingsection for calculating a zero crossing interval of an output value ofthe adder instead of the zero crossing number calculating section; thefirst comparator compares a value of the zero crossing intervaloutputted from the zero crossing interval calculating section and thefirst predetermined threshold value, and outputs the first comparedresults; and the second comparator compares the value of the zerocrossing interval outputted from the zero crossing interval calculatingsection and the second predetermined threshold value, and outputs thesecond compared results.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thereceiving side DCME includes a level crossing number calculating sectionfor calculating a level crossing number of the output value of thelinear converting section instead of the adder and the zero crossingnumber calculating section; the first comparator compares a value of thelevel crossing number outputted from the level crossing numbercalculating section and the first predetermined threshold value, andoutputs the first compared results; and the second comparator comparesthe value of the level crossing number outputted from the level crossingnumber calculating section and the second predetermined threshold value,and outputs the second compared results.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thereceiving side DCME includes a level crossing interval calculatingsection for calculating a level crossing interval of the output value ofthe linear converting section instead of the adder and the zero crossingnumber calculating section; the first comparator compares a value of thelevel crossing interval outputted from the level crossing intervalcalculating section and the first predetermined threshold value, andoutputs the first compared results; and the second comparator comparesthe value of the level crossing interval outputted from the levelcrossing interval calculating section and the second predeterminedthreshold value, and outputs the second compared results.

Further, a channel check test system according to this inventioncomprises a transmitting side DCME including an input pattern generatorfor generating a nonlinear quantized input test pattern; a test patterninsertion circuit for inserting an output signal of the input patterngenerator into a channel to be tested; and an encoder for encoding anoutput signal of the test pattern insertion circuit with highefficiency; and a receiving side DCME including a decoder for decoding areceived signal from the channel to be tested; a linear convertingsection for converting the decoded signal to a linear quantized PCMsignal; a zero crossing number calculating section for calculating azero crossing number of an output value of the linear convertingsection; a level crossing number calculating section for calculating alevel crossing number of the output value of the linear convertingsection; a subtracter for calculating the difference between thecalculated zero crossing number and the calculated level crossingnumber; an absolute value circuit for calculating an absolute value ofan output value of the subtracter; a comparator for comparing an outputvalue of the absolute value circuit and a predetermined threshold valueand outputting compared result; and a judging circuit for judgingexistence or nonexistence of continuity of the channel to be tested onthe basis of the compared result.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thereceiving side DCME includes a zero crossing interval calculatingsection for calculating a zero crossing interval of the output value ofthe linear converting section and a level crossing interval calculatingsection for calculating a level crossing interval of the output value ofthe linear converting section instead of the zero crossing numbercalculating section and the level crossing number calculating section;and the subtracter calculates the difference between the calculated zerocrossing interval and the calculated level crossing interval.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thereceiving side DCME further includes a signal intensity calculatingsection for calculating intensity of the output signal of the linearconverting section; a signal intensity judging section including afourth comparator for comparing the calculated signal intensity and afourth predetermined threshold value and outputting fourth comparedresults, and a fifth comparator for comparing the calculated signalintensity and a fifth predetermined threshold value and outputting fifthcompared results; and a judging circuit for judging existence ornonexistence of continuity of the channel to be tested on the basis ofthe all compared results.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thereceiving side DCME further includes a signal intensity calculatingsection for calculating intensity of the output signal of the linearconverting section; and a signal intensity judging section including afourth comparator for comparing the calculated signal intensity and afourth predetermined threshold value and outputting fourth comparedresults, and a fifth comparator for comparing the calculated signalintensity and a fifth predetermined threshold value and outputting fifthcompared results; and the judging circuit judges existence ornonexistence of continuity of the channel to be tested on the basis ofthe all compared results.

In the channel check test system according to this invention, thepredetermined time in the delay unit is set to be a multiple of the timeof a half period of the input test pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check test systemin accordance with an embodiment mode 1 of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation of the channel check testsystem in accordance with the embodiment mode 1 of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the channel check testsystem in accordance with the embodiment mode 1 of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check test systemin accordance with an embodiment mode 2 of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check test systemin accordance with an embodiment mode 3 of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check test systemin accordance with an embodiment mode 4 of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check test systemin accordance with an embodiment mode 5 of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check test systemin accordance with an embodiment mode 6 of this invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check test systemin accordance with an embodiment mode 7 of this invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check testsystem in accordance with an embodiment mode 8 of this invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of a channel check testsystem in accordance with an embodiment mode 9 of this invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure of a conventional channelcheck test system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of another conventionalchannel check test system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operation of another conventionalchannel check test system.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example in which anotherconventional channel check test system is applied to a DCME.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a table for explaining an operation ofanother conventional channel check test system in an example in whichanother conventional channel check test system is applied to the DCME.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the table for explaining the operation ofanother conventional channel check test system in the example in whichanother conventional channel check test system is applied to the DCME.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment Mode 1

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 1 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 1 of this invention. In therespective figures, the same reference numerals show the same orcorresponding portions.

In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1, 2A and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2A. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. Reference numeral 20 designates an offsetvalue. An adder 21 adds the offset value 20 to an output value of thelinear converting section 19. A sign extracting section 22 extracts asign of an output signal of the adder 21. A delay unit 23 delays thesign outputted from the sign extracting section 22. An exclusive ORarithmetic unit 24 performs an exclusive OR operation of the signoutputted from the sign extracting section 22 and an output signal ofthe delay unit 23. A counter 25 counts the number of times of conformityin which an output of the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 is inconformity with a predetermined value. Reference numerals 26 and 27respectively designate a threshold value and a comparator for comparingan output signal of the counter 25 and the threshold value 26.

An operation of the channel check test system in accordance with theabove embodiment mode 1 will next be explained with reference to thedrawings. An internal operation of the transmitting side DCME 1 willfirst be explained.

The input pattern generator 4 generates an input test pattern forchecking a channel, e.g., a tone signal. A period of this test patternis desirably a multiple of a sampling period of a signal inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1.

It is necessary to conform a companding law (A-law or μ-law) of theinput test pattern outputted, from the input pattern generator 4 to acompanding law of the encoder 6 of a channel to be tested. Further, oneof output data of the A-law input pattern data memory 4 a and outputdata of the μ-law input pattern data memory 4 b is selected inaccordance with the companding law setting signal 14 a in the selector 4c and is made to be an output signal of the input pattern generator 4.

The input test pattern outputted from this input pattern generator 4 isinputted to the test pattern insertion circuit 5. The test patterninsertion circuit 5 inserts the input test pattern for the channel checkoutputted from the input pattern generator 4 into the channel to betested, and outputs the input test pattern. In contrast to this, thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 outputs the input signal 3 inputted tothe transmitting side DCME 1 as it is with respect to an operatingchannel which is not a testing.

The encoder 6 encodes the output signal of the test pattern insertioncircuit 5 with high efficiency by using a coding system prescribed ine.g., ITU Recommendations G.726, G.728, G.729, etc., and outputs theencoded signal to the receiving side DCME 2A. An operating mode (A-lawor μ-law) of this encoder 6 is determined in accordance with thecompanding law setting signal 14 b.

An internal operation of the receiving side DCME 2A will subsequently beexplained.

The decoder 7 decodes an encoded signal transmitted from thetransmitting side DCME 1. The decoded signal 8 a outputted from thisdecoder 7 is made to be an output signal 8 b from the receiving sideDCME 2A and the continuity of a channel to be tested is checked on thebasis of this decoded signal 8 a within the receiving side DCME 2A. Anoperating mode (A-law or μ-law) of this decoder 7 is determined inaccordance with the companding law setting signal 14 c.

The linear converting section 19 converts the decoded signal 8 anonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7 to a linear quantized PCM signal. A companding law (A-law orμ-law) of the decoded signal 8 a is notified to the linear convertingsection 19 by the companding law setting signal 14 e. The linearconverting section 19 converts the decoded signal 8 a to the linearquantized PCM signal in accordance with the notified companding law.

The adder 21 adds a predetermined offset value 20 to the linearquantized PCM signal outputted from the linear converting section 19. Itis necessary to select a non-zero value within the range of an amplitudeof the test pattern as this offset value 20. This offset value 20 may beset to a positive or negative value.

The sign extracting section 22 extracts a sign from an output signal ofthe adder 21. The sign extracting section 22 outputs zero when the signis positive. The sign extracting section 22 outputs one when the sign isnegative.

The sign outputted from this sign extracting section 22 is delayed by apredetermined time in the delay unit 23. It is necessary to set thedelay time in this delay unit 23 to a multiple of the time of a halfperiod of the test pattern. However, in view of a reduction in hardwarescale of the delay unit 23, the delay time in this delay unit 23 isnormally set to a value equal to the time of the half period of the testpattern.

The operation of the channel check test system will next be explainedwhen the delay time in the delay unit 23 is set to a value of the halfperiod of the test pattern multiplied by an odd number.

The exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 performs an exclusive OR operationof the sign outputted from the sign extracting section 22 and an outputsignal of the delay unit 23, and outputs the results of this exclusiveOR operation. Namely, the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 outputs zerowhen the sign outputted from the sign extracting section 22 is equal toa value shown by the output signal of the delay unit 23. The exclusiveOR arithmetic unit 24 outputs one when the sign outputted from the signextracting section 22 is different from the value shown by the outputsignal of the delay unit 23.

The counter 25 counts the number of times of conformity in which anoutput of the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 is in conformity with apredetermined value, e.g., one, during a constant time after the channelcheck test is started.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one example of an operation of each portionin the channel check test system according to this embodiment mode 1when the continuity of the testing channel exists.

In FIG. 2, the sign outputted from the sign extracting section 22 shownin FIG. 2(d) is different from the value shown by the output signal(shown in FIG. 2(e)) of the delay unit 23 provided by delaying this signby the time of a half period of the test pattern. Therefore, the outputvalue of the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 becomes one. Accordingly,an output value of the counter 25 becomes a large value.

In contrast to this, when the continuity of the testing channel does notexist, the sign outputted from the sign extracting section 22 is notnecessarily different from the value shown by the output signal of thedelay unit 23 provided by delaying this sign by the time of the halfperiod of the test pattern at any time. Therefore, the output value ofthe exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 becomes zero and one. Accordingly,the output value of the counter 25 becomes a small value in comparisonwith a case in which the continuity of the testing channel exists.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one example of an operation of each portionwhen a PCM companding law is set erroneously in one of the transmittingside DCME 1 and the receiving side DCME 2A.

In FIG. 3, after a predetermined offset value 20 is added to an outputvalue of the linear converting section 19 in the adder 21, a sign isextracted in the sign extracting section 22. Therefore, the signoutputted from the sign extracting section 22 shown in FIG. 3(a) is notalways different from a value shown by an output signal (shown in FIG.3(e)) of the delay unit 23 provided by delaying this sign by the time ofa half period of the test pattern. Therefore, the output value of theexclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 becomes zero and one. Accordingly, theoutput value of the counter 25 becomes a small value in comparison witha case in which the continuity of the testing channel exists.

The comparator 27 compares the output value of the counter 25 and apredetermined threshold value 26. When the output value of the counter25 is greater than the threshold value 26, the comparator 27 judges thatthe continuity of the testing channel exists, and outputs one as judgedresults 13. In contrast to this, when the output value of the counter 25is smaller than the threshold value 26, the comparator 27 judges thatthe continuity of the testing channel does not exist, and outputs zeroas the judged results 13.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be simply checked, including an error in setting of the PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and the receivingside DCME 2A.

In the above embodiment mode 1, the tone signal is used as the testpattern, but a periodic signal as well as the tone signal may be alsoused as the test pattern.

In the above embodiment mode 1, the delay time in the delay unit 23 isset to a value of the half period of the test pattern multiplied by anodd number. Therefore, when the counter 25 counts the number of times ofthe output of the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 conforming to one andthe output value of the counter 25 is greater than the threshold value26 in the comparator 27, the comparator 27 judges that the continuity ofthe testing channel exists. However, when this delay time is set to avalue of the half period of the test pattern multiplied by an evennumber (namely, a multiple of the period of the test pattern), thecounter 25 counts the number of times of the output of the exclusive ORarithmetic unit 24 conforming to zero, and the comparator 27 may judgethat the continuity of the testing channel exists when the output valueof the counter 25 is greater than the threshold value 26.

Embodiment Mode 2

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 2 ofthis invention will next be explained with reference to the drawings.FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check testsystem in accordance with the embodiment mode 2 of this invention.

In FIG. 4, reference numerals 1, 2B and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. Anμ-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2B. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. A delay unit 23 delays an output signal ofa comparator described later. An exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24performs an exclusive OR operation of the output signal of thecomparator described later and an output signal of the delay unit 23. Acounter 25 counts the number of times of conformity in which an outputof the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 is in conformity with apredetermined value. Reference numerals 26 and 27 respectively designatea threshold value and a comparator for comparing an output signal of thecounter 25 and the threshold value 26. Reference numeral 28 designates athreshold value. A comparator 29 compares an output signal of the linearconverting section 19 and the threshold value 28.

An operation of the channel check test system in accordance with theabove embodiment mode 2 will next be explained with reference to thedrawings.

Operations of the input pattern generator 4, the test pattern insertioncircuit 5, the encoder 6, the decoder 7, the linear converting section19, the delay unit 23, the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24, the counter25 and the comparator 27 are equal to those in the above embodiment mode1 and their explanations are therefore omitted here.

The comparator 29 compares the output signal of the linear convertingsection 19 and the predetermined threshold value 28 and outputs resultsof this comparison. For example, the comparator 29 outputs zero when avalue shown by the output signal of the linear converting section 19 isgreater than the threshold value 28. In contrast to this, the comparator29 outputs one when the value shown by the output signal of the linearconverting section 19 is smaller than the threshold value 28. It isnecessary to select a non-zero value within the range of an amplitude ofthe test pattern as this threshold value 28. Further, this thresholdvalue 28 may be a positive or negative value.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above, thesame operation as in the above embodiment mode 1, the extraction of asign after a predetermined offset value 20 is added to the output signalof the linear converting section 19, can be realized by comparing theoutput signal of the linear converting section 19 and the thresholdvalue 28 in the comparator 29. As a result, existence or nonexistence ofthe continuity of a channel to be tested can be checked by a simplerstructure having no adder, including an error in setting of the PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and the receivingside DCME 2B.

Embodiment Mode 3

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 3 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 3 of this invention.

In FIG. 5, reference numerals 1, 2C and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b air respectivelydesignate a decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2C. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. Reference numeral 20 designates an offsetvalue. An adder 21 adds the offset value 20 to an output value of thelinear converting section 19. A zero crossing number calculating section30 calculates a zero crossing number with respect to an output value ofthe adder 21. Reference numeral 31 designates a threshold value. Acomparator 32 compares an output value of the zero crossing numbercalculating section 30 and the threshold value 31. Reference numeral 33designates a threshold value. A comparator 34 compares the output valueof the zero crossing number calculating section 30 and the thresholdvalue 33. A judging circuit 35 judges existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of a channel on the basis of output values of the comparators32 and 34.

An operation of the channel check test system in accordance with theabove embodiment mode 3 will next be explained with reference to thedrawings.

An operation of the transmitting side DCME 1 is the same as the aboveembodiment mode 1 and its explanation is therefore omitted here. Aninternal operation of the receiving side DCME 2C will next be explained.

The decoder 7 decodes an encoded signal transmitted from thetransmitting side DCME 1. The decoded signal 8 a outputted from thisdecoder 7 is made to be an output signal 8 b from the receiving sideDCME 2C and the continuity of a channel to be tested is checked on thebasis of this decoded signal 8 a within the receiving side DCME 2C. Anoperating-mode (A-law or μ-law) of this decoder 7 is determined inaccordance with the companding law setting signal 14 c.

The linear converting section 19 converts the decoded signal 8 anonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7 to a linear quantized PCM signal. A companding law (A-law orμ-law) of the decoded signal 8 a is notified to the linear convertingsection 19 by the companding law setting signal 14 e. The linearconverting section 19 converts the decoded signal 8 a to the linearquantized PCM signal in accordance with the notified companding law.

The adder 21 adds a predetermined offset value 20 to the linearquantized PCM signal outputted from the linear converting section 19. Itis necessary to select a non-zero value within the range of an amplitudeof the test pattern as this offset value 20. This offset value 20 may beset to a positive or negative value.

The zero crossing number calculating section 30 calculates a zerocrossing number with respect to an output signal of the adder 21,namely, the number of times of crossing in which the output signal ofthe adder 21 crosses a zero level within a predetermined time.

The comparator 32 compares a value of the zero crossing number outputtedfrom the zero crossing number calculating section 30 with thepredetermined threshold value 31, and outputs results of thiscomparison. Namely, the comparator 32 outputs one when the value of thezero crossing number is greater than the threshold value 31. In contrastto this, the comparator 32 outputs zero when the value of the zerocrossing number is smaller than the threshold value 31.

The comparator 34 compares the value of the zero crossing numberoutputted from the zero crossing number calculating section 30 with thepredetermined threshold value 33, and outputs results of thiscomparison. Namely, the comparator 34 outputs one when the value of thezero crossing number is greater than the threshold value 33. In contrastto this, the comparator 34 outputs zero when the value of the zerocrossing number is smaller than the threshold value 33. Here, thethreshold value 33 is set to be smaller than the above threshold value31.

The judging circuit 35 judges existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of the channel to be tested on the basis of the output valuesof the comparators 32 and 34. When the output value of the comparator 32is zero and the output value of the comparator 34 is one, the judgingcircuit 35 judges that the continuity of the testing channel exists. Ina case except for this case, the judging circuit 35 judges that thecontinuity of the testing channel does not exist. The judging circuit 35then outputs results 13 of this judgment.

An expected value of an output of the zero crossing number calculatingsection 30 during the time when the test pattern is being inputted isdetermined by a period of the test pattern and the length of a timewindow in the calculation of the zero crossing number. Namely, theexpected value P of the zero crossing number is calculated as P=2L/Tfrom the period T of the test pattern and the length L of the timewindow in the calculation of the zero crossing number.

The above threshold value 31 is set to P+ΔP and the above thresholdvalue 33 is set to P−ΔP. Here, ΔP is set to an upper limit value of themagnitude of a variation from the expected value P of the output valueof the zero crossing number calculating section 30 when the continuityof the testing channel exists. When the continuity of the testingchannel exists, the output value of the zero crossing number calculatingsection 30 is smaller than the threshold value 31 and is greater thanthe threshold value 33. Therefore, the output value of the comparator 32becomes zero and the output value of the comparator 34 becomes one. Thejudging circuit 35 judges that the continuity of the testing channelexists.

In contrast to this, when the continuity of the testing channel does notexist, the output of the zero crossing number calculating section 30does not take a value within the range from the threshold value 31 tothe threshold value 33. Therefore, the judging circuit 35 judges thatthe continuity of the testing channel does not exist.

When the PCM companding law is set erroneously in one of thetransmitting side DCME 1 and the receiving side DCME 2C, the outputvalue of the zero crossing number calculating section 30 is alsodifferent from that provided when the continuity of the testing channelexists. Therefore, the output value of the comparator 32 becomes one, orthe output value of the comparator 34 becomes zero. As a result, thejudging circuit 35 judges that the continuity of the testing channeldoes not exist.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be simply checked, including an error in setting of the PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and the receivingside DCME 2c.

Embodiment Mode 4

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 4 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 4 of this invention.

In FIG. 6, reference numerals 1, 2D and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral, 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2D. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. Reference numeral 20 designates an offsetvalue. An adder 21 adds the offset value 20 to an output value of thelinear converting section 19. Reference numeral 31 designates athreshold value. A comparator 32 compares an output value of a zerocrossing interval calculating section described later and the thresholdvalue 31. Reference numeral 33 designates a threshold value. Acomparator 34 compares the output value of the zero crossing intervalcalculating section described later and the threshold value 33. Ajudging circuit 35 judges existence or nonexistence of the continuity ofa channel on the basis of output values of the comparators 32 and 34.The zero crossing interval calculating section 36 calculates a zerocrossing interval with respect to an output value of the adder 21.

An operation of the channel check test system in the above embodimentmode 4 will next be explained with reference to the drawings.

Operations of the input pattern generator 4, the test pattern insertioncircuit 5, the encoder 6, the decoder 7 and the linear convertingsection 19 are equal to those in the above embodiment mode 1 and theirexplanations are therefore omitted here. Further, an operation of theadder 21 is the same as the above embodiment mode 3 and its explanationis therefore omitted here.

The zero crossing interval calculating section 36 calculates a zerocrossing interval with respect to an output signal of the adder 21,namely, a time interval at which the output signal of the adder 21crosses a zero level within a predetermined time.

The comparator 32 compares a value of the zero crossing intervaloutputted from the zero crossing interval calculating section 36 and thepredetermined threshold value 31, and outputs results of thiscomparison. Namely, when the value of the zero crossing interval isgreater than the threshold value 31, the comparator 32 outputs one. Incontrast to this, when the value of the zero crossing interval issmaller than the threshold value 31, the comparator 32 outputs zero.

The comparator 34 compares the value of the zero crossing intervaloutputted from the zero crossing interval calculating section 36 and thepredetermined threshold value 33, and outputs results of thiscomparison. Namely, when the value of the zero crossing interval isgreater than the threshold value 33, the comparator 34 outputs one. Incontrast to this, when the value of the zero crossing interval issmaller than the threshold value 33, the comparator 34 outputs zero.Here, the threshold value 33 is set to be smaller than the abovethreshold value 31.

The judging circuit 35 compares existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of the channel to be tested on the basis of the output valuesof the comparators 32 and 34. When the output value of the comparator 32is zero and the output value of the comparator 34 is one, the judgingcircuit 35 judges that the continuity of the testing channel exists. Ina case except for this case, the judging circuit 35 judges that thecontinuity of the testing channel does not exist. The judging circuit 35then outputs results 13 of this judgment.

An expected value P of an output of the zero crossing intervalcalculating section 36 during the time when the test pattern is beinginputted is a half of the time of a period T of the test pattern,namely, P=T/2.

The above threshold value 31 is set to P+ΔP and the above thresholdvalue 33 is set to P−ΔP. Here, ΔP is set to an upper limit value of themagnitude of a variation from the expected value P of the output valueof the zero crossing interval calculating section 36 when the continuityof the testing channel exists. When the continuity of the testingchannel exists, the output value of the zero crossing intervalcalculating section 36 is smaller than the threshold value 31 and isgreater than the threshold value 33. Therefore, the output value of thecomparator 32 becomes zero and the output value of the comparator 34becomes one. The judging circuit 35 judges that the continuity of thetesting channel exists.

In contrast to this, when the continuity of the testing channel does notexist, the output of the zero crossing interval calculating section 36does not take a value within the range from the threshold value 31 tothe threshold value 33. Therefore, the judging circuit 35 judges thatthe continuity of the testing channel does not exist.

When the PCM companding law is set erroneously in one of thetransmitting side DCME 1 and the receiving side DCME 2D, the outputvalue of the zero crossing interval calculating section 36 is alsodifferent from that provided when the continuity of the testing channelexists. Therefore, the output value of the comparator 32 becomes one, orthe output value of the comparator 34 becomes zero. As a result, thejudging circuit 35 judges that the continuity of the testing channeldoes not exist.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be simply checked, including an error in setting of the PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and the receivingside DCME 2D.

Embodiment Mode 5

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 5 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 5 of this invention.

In FIG. 7, reference numerals 1, 2E and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2E. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. Reference numeral 31 designates a thresholdvalue. A comparator 32 compares an output value of a level crossingnumber calculating section described later and the threshold value 31.Reference numeral 33 designates a threshold value. A comparator 34compares the output value of the level crossing number calculatingsection described later and the threshold value 33. A judging circuit 35judges existence or nonexistence of the continuity of a channel on thebasis of output values of the comparators 32 and 34. The level crossingnumber calculating section 37 calculates a level crossing number withrespect to an output value of the linear converting section 19.Reference numeral 49 designates a threshold value.

An operation of the channel check test system in the above embodimentmode 5 will next be explained with reference to the drawings.

Operations of the input pattern generator 4, the test pattern insertioncircuit 5, the encoder 6, the decoder 7 and the linear convertingsection 19 are equal to those in the above embodiment mode 1 and theirexplanations are therefore omitted here. Further, operations of thecomparators 32, 34 and the judging circuit 35 are equal to those in theabove embodiment mode 3 and their explanations are therefore omittedhere.

The level crossing number calculating section 37 calculates a levelcrossing number with respect to an output signal of the linearconverting section 19, namely, the number of times of crossing in whichthe output signal of the linear converting section 19 crosses thethreshold value 49 within a predetermined time. It is necessary toselect a non-zero value within the range of an amplitude of the testpattern as this threshold value 49. Further, this threshold value 49 maybe a positive or negative value.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above, thesame operation as in the above embodiment mode 3, the calculation of thezero crossing number after a predetermined offset value 20 is added tothe output signal of the linear converting section 19, can be realizedby calculating the number of times of crossing in which the outputsignal of the linear converting section 19 crosses the threshold value49 in the level crossing number calculating section 37. As a result,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of a channel to be testedcan be checked by a simpler structure having no adder, including anerror in setting of a PCM companding law in one of the transmitting sideDCME 1 and the receiving side DCME 2E.

Embodiment Mode 6

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 6 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 6 of this invention.

In FIG. 8, reference numerals 1, 2F and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2F. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. Reference numeral 31 designates a thresholdvalue. A comparator 32 compares an output value of a level crossinginterval calculating section described later and the threshold value 31.Reference numeral 33 designates a threshold value. A comparator 34compares the output value of the level crossing interval calculatingsection described later and the threshold value 33. A judging circuit 35judges existence or nonexistence of the continuity of a channel on thebasis of output values of the comparators 32 and 34. The level crossinginterval calculating section 38 calculates a level crossing intervalwith respect to an output value of the linear converting section 19.Reference numeral 50 designates a threshold value.

An operation of the channel check test system in the above embodimentmode 6 will next be explained with reference to the drawings.

Operations of the input pattern generator 4, the test pattern insertioncircuit 5, the encoder 6, the decoder 7 and the linear convertingsection 19 are equal to those in the above embodiment mode 1 and theirexplanations are therefore omitted here. Further, operations of thecomparators 32, 34 and the judging circuit 35 are equal to those in theabove embodiment mode 4 and their explanations are therefore omittedhere.

The level crossing interval calculating section 38 calculates a levelcrossing interval with respect to an output signal of the linearconverting section 19, namely, a time interval at which the outputsignal of the linear converting section 19 crosses the threshold value50 within a predetermined time. It is necessary to select a non-zerovalue within the range of an amplitude of the test pattern as thisthreshold value 50. Further, this threshold value 50 may be a positiveor negative value.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above, thesame operation as in the above embodiment mode 4, the calculation of thezero crossing interval after a predetermined offset value 20 is added tothe output signal of the linear converting section 19, can be realizedby calculating an interval at which the output signal of the linearconverting section 19 crosses the threshold value 50 in the levelcrossing interval calculating section 38. As a result, existence ornonexistence of the continuity of a channel to be tested can be checkedby a simpler structure having no adder, including an error in setting ofa PCM companding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and thereceiving side DCME 2F.

Embodiment Mode 7

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 7 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 7 of this invention.

In FIG. 9, reference numerals 1, 2G and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2G. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. A zero crossing number calculating section30 calculates a zero crossing number with respect to an output value ofthe linear converting section 19. Reference numeral 31 designates athreshold value. A comparator 32 compares an output value of the zerocrossing number calculating section 30 and the threshold value 31.Reference numeral 33 designates a threshold value. A comparator 34compares the output value of the zero crossing number calculatingsection 30 and the threshold value 33. A judging circuit 35 judgesexistence or nonexistence of the continuity of a channel on the basis ofoutput values of the comparators 32, 34 and 42.

Further, in this figure, a level crossing number calculating section 37calculates a level crossing number with respect to the output value ofthe linear converting section 19. A subtracter 39 calculates thedifference between the zero crossing number and the level crossingnumber. An absolute value circuit 40 calculates an absolute value of anoutput value of the subtracter 39. Reference numeral 41 designates athreshold value. A comparator 42 compares an output value of theabsolute value circuit 40 and the threshold value 41. Reference numeral49 designates a threshold value.

An operation of the channel check test system in the above embodimentmode 7 will next be explained with reference to the drawings.

Operations of the input pattern generator 4, the test pattern insertioncircuit 5, the encoder 6, the decoder 7 and the linear convertingsection 19 are equal to those in the above embodiment mode 1 and theirexplanations are therefore omitted here.

The zero crossing number calculating section 30 calculates a zerocrossing number with respect to an output signal of the linearconverting section 19, namely, the number of times of crossing in whichthe output signal of the linear converting section 19 crosses a zerolevel within a predetermined time.

The comparator 32 compares a value of the zero crossing number outputtedfrom the zero crossing number calculating section 30 with thepredetermined threshold value 31, and outputs results of thiscomparison. Namely, the comparator 32 outputs one when the value of thezero crossing number is greater than the threshold value 31. In contrastto this, the comparator 32 outputs zero when the value of the zerocrossing number is smaller than the threshold value 31.

The comparator 34 compares the value of the zero crossing numberoutputted from the zero crossing number calculating section 30 with thepredetermined threshold value 33, and outputs results of thiscomparison. Namely, the comparator 34 outputs one when the value of thezero crossing number is greater than the threshold value 33. In contrastto this, the comparator 34 outputs zero when the value of the zerocrossing number is smaller than the threshold value 33. Here, thethreshold value 33 is set to be smaller than the above threshold value31.

The level crossing number calculating section 37 calculates a levelcrossing number with respect to the output signal of the linearconverting section 19, namely, the number of times of crossing in whichthe output signal of the linear converting section 19 crosses thethreshold value 49 within a predetermined time. It is necessary toselect a value except for zero within the range of an amplitude of thetest pattern as this threshold value 49. Further, this threshold value49 may be a positive or negative value.

The subtracter 39 subtracts the value of the level crossing numberoutputted from the level crossing number calculating section 37 from thevalue of the zero crossing number outputted from the zero crossingnumber calculating section 30. The absolute value circuit 40 calculatesan absolute value of an output value of the subtracter 39.

The comparator 42 compares an output value of the absolute value circuit40 with the predetermined threshold value 41, and outputs results ofthis comparison. Namely, when the output value of the absolute valuecircuit 40 is greater than the threshold value 41, the comparator 42outputs one. In contrast to this, when the output value of the absolutevalue circuit 40 is smaller than the threshold value 41, the comparator42 outputs zero.

The judging circuit 35 judges existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of a channel to be tested on the basis of output values ofthe comparators 32, 34 and 42, and outputs results 13 of this judgment.When the output value of the comparator 32 is zero and the-output valueof the comparator 34 is one, the judging circuit 35 judges that there isa large possibility that the continuity of the testing channel exists.In a case except for this case, the judging circuit 35 judges that thecontinuity of the testing channel does not exist.

Next, when the output value of the comparator 32 is zero and the outputvalue of the comparator 34 is one and the judging circuit 35 judges thatthere is a large possibility that the continuity of the testing channelexists, the judging circuit 35 makes a detailed judgment as to whetherthe continuity of the testing channel exists or not on the basis of theoutput value of the comparator 42. Namely, when the output value of thecomparator 42 is zero, the judging circuit 35 judges that the continuityof the testing channel exists. In contrast to this, when the outputvalue of the comparator 42 is one, the judging circuit 35 judges thatthe continuity of the testing channel does not exist.

As explained in the above embodiment mode 3, an expected value P of anoutput of the zero crossing number calculating section 30 during thetime when the test pattern is being inputted is calculated as P=2 L/Tfrom a period T of the test pattern and the length L of a time window inthe calculation of the zero crossing number.

When the above threshold value 31 is set to P+ΔP and the above thresholdvalue 33 is set to P−ΔP and the continuity of the testing channelexists, the output value of the zero crossing number calculating section30 is smaller than the threshold value 31 and is greater than thethreshold value 33. Therefore, the output value of the comparator 32becomes zero and the output value of the comparator 34 becomes one.Further, since the output value of the zero crossing number calculatingsection 30 and the output value of the level crossing number calculatingsection 37 are approximately equal to each other, the output value ofthe comparator 42 becomes zero. Accordingly, the judging circuit 35judges that the continuity of the testing channel exists.

In contrast to this, when the continuity of the testing channel does notexist, the output of the zero crossing number calculating section 30does not take a value within the range between the threshold values 31and 33. Therefore, the judging circuit 35 judges that the continuity ofthe testing channel does not exist.

When the PCM companding law is set erroneously, the output value of thezero crossing number calculating section 30 is equal to that providedwhen the PCM companding law is correctly set and the continuity of thetesting channel exists. However, the output value of the level crossingnumber calculating section 37 is different from this output value of thezero crossing number calculating section 30. Accordingly, since theabsolute value calculated in the absolute value circuit 40 with respectto an output of the subtracter 39 is greater than the threshold value41, the output of the comparator 42 becomes one and the judging circuit35 judges that the continuity of the testing channel does not exist.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be simply checked, including an error in setting of the PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and the receivingside DCME 2G. In the structure of the channel check test system in theabove embodiment mode 7 shown in FIG. 9, the comparators 32 and 34 canbe omitted. Further, when the output of the comparator 42 is simplyzero, the judging circuit 35 may judge that the continuity of thetesting channel exists. When the output of the comparator 42 is one, thejudging circuit 35 may also judge that the continuity of the testingchannel does not exist.

Embodiment Mode 8

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 8 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 8 of this invention.

In FIG. 10, reference numerals 1, 2H and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2H. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. Reference numeral 31 designates a thresholdvalue. A comparator 32 compares an output value of a zero crossinginterval calculating section described later and the threshold value 31.Reference numeral 33 designates a threshold value. A comparator 34compares the output value of the zero crossing interval calculatingsection described later and the threshold value 33. A judging circuit 35judges existence or nonexistence of the continuity of a channel on thebasis of output values of the comparators 32, 34 and 42.

Further, in this figure, the zero crossing interval calculating section36 calculates a zero crossing interval with respect to an output valueof the linear converting section 19. A level crossing intervalcalculating section 38 calculates a level crossing interval with respectto the output value of the linear converting section 19. A subtracter 39calculates the difference between the zero crossing interval and thelevel crossing interval. An absolute value circuit 40 calculates anabsolute value of an output value of the subtracter 39. Referencenumeral 41 designates a threshold value. A comparator 42 compares anoutput value of the absolute value circuit 40 and the threshold value41. Reference numeral 50 designates a threshold value.

An operation of the channel check test system in accordance with theabove embodiment mode 8 will next be explained with reference to thedrawings.

Operations of the input pattern generator 4, the test pattern insertioncircuit 5, the encoder 6, the decoder 7 and the linear convertingsection 19 are equal to those in the above embodiment mode 1 and theirexplanations are therefore omitted here. Further, operations of thecomparators 32, 34, 42, the judging circuit 35, the subtracter 39 andthe absolute value circuit 40 are equal to those in the above embodimentmode 7 and their explanations are therefore omitted here.

The zero crossing interval calculating section 36 calculates a zerocrossing interval with respect to an output signal of the linearconverting section 19, i.e., a time interval at which the output signalof the linear converting section 19 crosses a zero level within apredetermined time.

Further, the level crossing interval calculating section 38 calculates alevel crossing interval with respect to the output signal of the linearconverting section 19, i.e., a time interval at which the output signalof the linear converting section 19 crosses the threshold value 50within a predetermined time. It is necessary to select a non-zero valuewithin the range of an amplitude of the test pattern as this thresholdvalue 50. Further, this threshold value 50 may be a positive or negativevalue.

An expected value P of an output of the zero crossing intervalcalculating section 36 during the time when the test pattern is beinginputted is a half of the time of a period T of the test pattern,namely, P=T/2 as explained in the above embodiment mode 4.

When the above threshold value 31 is set to P+ΔP and the above thresholdvalue 33 is set to P−ΔP and the continuity of the testing channelexists, the output value of the zero crossing interval calculatingsection 36 is smaller than the threshold value 31 and is greater thanthe threshold value 33. Therefore, the output value of the comparator 32becomes zero and the output value of the comparator 34 becomes one.Further, since the output value of the zero crossing intervalcalculating section 36 and an output value of the level crossinginterval calculating section 38 are approximately equal to each other,the output value of the comparator 42 becomes zero. Accordingly, thejudging circuit 35 judges that the continuity of the testing channelexists.

In contrast to this, when the continuity of the testing channel does notexist, the output of the zero crossing interval calculating section 36does not take a value within the range between the threshold values 31and 33. Therefore, the judging circuit 35 judges that the continuity ofthe testing channel does not exist.

When the PCM companding law is set erroneously, the output value of thezero crossing interval calculating section 36 is equal to that providedwhen the PCM companding law is correctly set and the continuity of thetesting channel exists. However, the output value of the level crossinginterval calculating section 38 is different from this output value ofthe zero crossing interval calculating section 36. Accordingly, sincethe absolute value calculated in the absolute value circuit 40 withrespect to an output of the subtracter 39 is greater than the thresholdvalue 41, the output of the comparator 42 becomes one and the judgingcircuit 35 judges that the continuity of the testing channel does notexist.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be simply checked, including an error in setting of the PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and the receivingside DCME 2H. In the structure of the channel check test system in theabove embodiment mode 8 shown in FIG. 10, the comparators 32 and 34 canbe omitted. Further, when the output of the comparator 42 is simplyzero, the judging circuit 35 may judge that the continuity of thetesting channel exists. When the output of the comparator 42 is one, thejudging circuit 35 may also judge that the continuity of the testingchannel does not exist.

Embodiment Mode 9

A channel check test system in accordance with an embodiment mode 9 ofthis invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11is a diagram showing the structure of the channel check test system inaccordance with the embodiment mode 9 of this invention.

In FIG. 11, reference numerals 1, 2J and 3 respectively designate atransmitting side DCME, a receiving side DCME and an input signalnonlinear-quantized by an A-law or a μ-law and inputted to thetransmitting side DCME 1. An input pattern generator 4 generates aninput test pattern nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law. AnA-law input pattern data memory 4 a stores input test pattern datanonlinear-quantized by the A-law. A μ-law input pattern data memory 4 bstores input test pattern data nonlinear-quantized by the μ-law.Reference numeral 4 c designates a selector. A test pattern insertioncircuit 5 inserts an output signal of the input pattern generator 4 intoa channel to be tested. An encoder 6 encodes an output signal of thetest pattern insertion circuit 5 with high efficiency.

In this figure, reference numerals 7, 8 a and 8 b respectively designatea decoder for decoding the encoded signal, a decoded signalnonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law and outputted from thedecoder 7, and an output signal nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or theμ-law from the receiving side DCME 2J. Reference numeral 13 designatesjudged results. Reference numerals 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 e designatecompanding law setting signals.

Further, in this figure, a linear converting section 19 converts thedecoded signal 8 a nonlinear-quantized by the A-law or the μ-law to alinear quantized PCM signal. Reference numeral 20 designates an offsetvalue. An adder 21 adds the offset value 20 to an output value of thelinear converting section 19. A sign extracting section 22 extracts asign of an output signal of the adder 21. A delay unit 23 delays thesign outputted from the sign extracting section 22. An exclusive ORarithmetic unit 24 performs an exclusive OR operation of the signoutputted from the sign extracting section 22 and an output signal ofthe delay unit 23. A counter 25 counts the number of times of conformityin which an output of the exclusive OR arithmetic unit 24 is inconformity with a predetermined value. Reference numerals 26 and 27respectively designate a threshold value and a comparator for comparingan output signal of the counter 25 and the threshold value 26.

Further, in this figure, a judging circuit 35 judges existence ornonexistence of the continuity of a channel on the basis of outputvalues of comparators 27, 46 and 48. A signal intensity judging section43 makes a judgment based on the intensity of an output signal of thelinear converting section 19. A signal intensity calculating section 44calculates the intensity of the output signal of the linear convertingsection 19. Reference numeral 45 designates a threshold value. Acomparator 46 compares the signal intensity and the threshold value 45.Reference numeral 47 designates a threshold value. A comparator 48compares the signal intensity and the threshold value 47.

An operation of the channel check test system in accordance with theabove embodiment mode 9 will next be explained with reference to thedrawings.

Operations of the input pattern generator 4, the test pattern insertioncircuit 5, the encoder 6, the decoder 7, the linear converting section19, the adder 21, the sign extracting section 22, the delay unit 23, theexclusive OR arithmetic unit 24, the counter 25 and the comparator 27are equal to those in the above embodiment mode 1 and their explanationsare therefore omitted here.

The signal intensity judging section 43 calculates signal intensity withrespect to the output signal of the linear converting section 19 andperforms preprocessing for judging existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of a channel on the basis of this signal intensity.

The signal intensity calculating section 44 calculates the signalintensity with respect to the output signal of the linear convertingsection 19. For example, a concrete means of a calculating method ofthis signal intensity is constructed by (1) the calculation of a meansquare value of an amplitude value of the output signal of the linearconverting section 19 within a predetermined time, (2) the calculationof an mean absolute value of the amplitude value of the output signal ofthe linear converting section 19 within a predetermined time, (3) thecalculation of a maximum value of the amplitude value of the outputsignal of the linear converting section 19 within a predetermined time,etc.

The comparator 46 compares the signal intensity outputted from thesignal intensity calculating section 44 and the predetermined thresholdvalue 45, and outputs results of this comparison. For example, when thesignal intensity is greater than the threshold value 45, the comparator46 outputs one. In contrast to this, when the signal intensity issmaller than the threshold value 45, the comparator 46 outputs zero.

The comparator 48 compares the signal intensity outputted from thesignal intensity calculating section 44 and the predetermined thresholdvalue 47, and outputs results of this comparison. For example, when thesignal intensity is greater than the threshold value 47, the comparator48 outputs one. In contrast to this, when the signal intensity issmaller than the threshold value 47, the comparator 48 outputs zero.

Here, when an expected value of the signal intensity outputted from thesignal intensity calculating section 44 is set to P, the above thresholdvalue 45 is set to P+ΔP and the above threshold value 47 is set to P−ΔP.ΔP is set to an upper limit value of the magnitude of a variation fromthe expected value P of the signal intensity outputted from the signalintensity calculating section 44 when the continuity of the testingchannel exists.

The judging circuit 35 judges existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of the channel on the basis of the respective output valuesof the comparators 27, 46 and 48. When the output value of thecomparator 27 is one and the output value of the comparator 46 is zeroand the output value of the comparator 48 is one, this judging circuit35 judges that the continuity of the testing channel exists. In a caseexcept for this case, the judging circuit 35 judges that the continuityof the testing channel does not exist. The judging circuit 35 thenoutputs results 13 of this judgment.

If the channel check test system is constructed as mentioned above,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be precisely judged, including an error in setting of the PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME 1 and the receivingside DCME 2J.

In the above explanation of the embodiment mode 9, the signal intensityjudging section 43 is combined with the structure of the embodiment mode1 shown in FIG. 1. However, similar effects are also obtained when thesignal intensity judging section 43 is combined with the structure shownin each of FIGS. 4 to 10 (embodiment modes 2 to 8).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As explained above, a channel check test system according to thisinvention comprises a transmitting side DCME including an input patterngenerator for generating a nonlinear quantized input test pattern; atest pattern insertion circuit for inserting an output signal of theinput pattern generator into a channel to be tested; and an encoder forencoding an output signal of the test pattern insertion circuit withhigh efficiency; and a receiving side DCME including a decoder fordecoding a received signal from the channel to be tested; a linearconverting section for converting the decoded signal to a linearquantized PCM signal; an adder for adding a predetermined offset valueto an output value of the linear converting section; a sign extractingsection for extracting a sign from an output signal of the adder; adelay unit for delaying the extracted sign by a predetermined time; anexclusive OR arithmetic unit for performing an exclusive OR operation ofthe extracted sign and an output signal of the delay unit; a counter forcounting the number of times of conformity in which an output value ofthe exclusive OR arithmetic unit is in conformity with a predeterminedvalue; and a comparator for comparing a counted value of the counter anda predetermined threshold value and outputting judged results.Accordingly, existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channelto be tested can be checked, including an error in setting of a PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME and the receivingside DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the receiving side DCME includes a second comparator forcomparing the output value of the linear converting section and a secondpredetermined threshold value instead of the adder and the signextracting section; the delay unit delays an output signal of the secondcomparator by a predetermined time; and the exclusive OR arithmetic unitperforms the exclusive OR operation of the output signal of the secondcomparator and the output signal of the delay unit. Accordingly,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be checked, including an error in setting of a PCM companding law inone of the transmitting side DCME and the receiving side DCME.

As explained above, a channel check test system according to thisinvention comprises a transmitting side DCME including an input patterngenerator for generating a nonlinear quantized input test pattern; atest pattern insertion circuit for inserting an output signal of theinput pattern generator into a channel to be tested; and an encoder forencoding an output signal of the test pattern insertion circuit withhigh efficiency; and a receiving side DCME including a decoder fordecoding a received signal from the channel to be tested; a linearconverting section for converting the decoded signal to a linearquantized PCM signal; an adder for adding a predetermined offset valueto an output value of the linear converting section; a zero crossingnumber calculating section for calculating a zero crossing number of anoutput value of the adder; a first comparator for comparing a value ofthe zero crossing number outputted from the zero crossing numbercalculating section and a first predetermined threshold value andoutputting first compared result; a second comparator for comparing thevalue of the zero crossing number outputted from the zero crossingnumber calculating section and a second predetermined threshold valueand outputting second compared result; and a judging circuit for judgingexistence or nonexistence of continuity of the channel to be tested onthe basis of the first and second. compared results. Accordingly,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be checked, including an error in setting of a PCM companding law inone of the transmitting side DCME and the receiving side DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the receiving side DCME includes a zero crossing intervalcalculating section for calculating a zero crossing interval of anoutput value of the adder instead of the zero crossing numbercalculating section; the first comparator compares a value of the zerocrossing interval outputted from the zero crossing interval calculatingsection and the first predetermined threshold value, and outputs thefirst compared result; and the second comparator compares the value ofthe zero crossing interval outputted from the zero crossing intervalcalculating section and the second predetermined threshold value, andoutputs the second compared result. Accordingly, existence ornonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be tested can bechecked, including an error in setting of a PCM companding law in one ofthe transmitting side DCME and the receiving side DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the receiving side DCME includes a level crossing numbercalculating section for calculating a level crossing number of theoutput value of the linear converting section instead of the adder andthe zero crossing number calculating section; the first comparatorcompares a value of the level crossing number outputted from the levelcrossing number calculating section and the first predeterminedthreshold value, and outputs the first compared result; and the secondcomparator compares the value of the level crossing number outputtedfrom the level crossing number calculating section and the secondpredetermined threshold value, and outputs the second compared result.Accordingly, existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channelto be tested can be checked, including an error in setting of a PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME and the receivingside DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the receiving side DCME includes a level crossing intervalcalculating section for calculating a level crossing interval of theoutput value of the linear converting section instead of the adder andthe zero crossing number calculating section; the first comparatorcompares a value of the level crossing interval outputted from the levelcrossing interval calculating section and the first predeterminedthreshold value, and outputs the first compared result; and the secondcomparator compares the value of the level crossing interval outputtedfrom the level crossing interval calculating section and the secondpredetermined threshold value, and outputs the second compared result.Accordingly, existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channelto be tested can be checked, including an error in setting of a PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME and the receivingside DCME.

As explained above, a channel check test system comprises a transmittingside DCME including an input pattern generator for generating anonlinear quantized input test pattern; a test pattern insertion circuitfor inserting an output signal of the input pattern generator into achannel to be tested; and an encoder for encoding an output signal ofthe test pattern insertion circuit with high efficiency; and a receivingside DCME including a decoder for decoding a received signal from thechannel to be tested; a linear converting section for converting thedecoded signal to a linear quantized PCM signal; a zero crossing numbercalculating section for calculating a zero crossing number of an outputvalue of the linear converting section; a level crossing numbercalculating section for calculating a level crossing number of theoutput value of the linear converting section; a subtracter forcalculating the difference between the calculated zero crossing numberand the calculated level crossing number; an absolute value circuit forcalculating an absolute value of an output value of the subtracter; acomparator for comparing an output value of the absolute value circuitand a predetermined threshold value and outputting compared result; anda judging circuit for judging existence or nonexistence of continuity ofthe channel to be tested on the basis of the compared result.Accordingly, existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channelto be tested can be checked, including an error in setting of a PCMcompanding law in one of the transmitting side DCME and the receivingside DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the receiving side DCME includes a zero crossing intervalcalculating section for calculating a zero crossing interval of theoutput value of the linear converting section and a level crossinginterval calculating section for calculating a level crossing intervalof the output value of the linear converting section instead of the zerocrossing number calculating section and the level crossing numbercalculating section; and the subtracter calculates the differencebetween the calculated zero crossing interval and the calculated levelcrossing interval. Accordingly, existence or nonexistence of thecontinuity of the channel to be tested can be checked, including anerror in setting of a PCM companding law in one of the transmitting sideDCME and the receiving side DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the receiving side DCME further includes a signal intensitycalculating section for calculating intensity of the output signal ofthe linear converting section; a signal intensity judging sectionincluding a fourth comparator for comparing the calculated signalintensity and a fourth predetermined threshold value and outputtingfourth compared result, and a fifth comparator for comparing thecalculated signal intensity and a fifth predetermined threshold valueand outputting fifth compared result; and a judging circuit for judgingexistence or nonexistence of continuity of the channel to be tested onthe basis of the all compared results. Accordingly, existence ornonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be tested can bechecked, including an error in setting of a PCM companding law in one ofthe transmitting side DCME and the receiving side DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the receiving side DCME further includes a signal intensitycalculating section for calculating intensity of the output signal ofthe linear converting section; and a signal intensity judging sectionincluding a fourth comparator for comparing the calculated signalintensity and a fourth predetermined threshold value and outputtingfourth compared result, and a fifth comparator for comparing thecalculated signal intensity and a fifth predetermined threshold valueand outputting fifth compared result; and the judging circuit judgesexistence or nonexistence of continuity of the channel to be tested onthe basis of the all compared results. Accordingly, existence ornonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be tested can bechecked, including an error in setting of a PCM companding law in one ofthe transmitting side DCME and the receiving side DCME.

As explained above, in the channel check test system according to thisinvention, the predetermined time in the delay unit is set to a multipleof the time of a half period of the input test pattern. Accordingly,existence or nonexistence of the continuity of the channel to be testedcan be checked, including an error in setting of a PCM companding law inone of the transmitting side DCME and the receiving side DCME.

What is claimed is:
 1. A channel check test system comprising: atransmitting side equipment including: an input pattern generator forgenerating a nonlinear quantized input test pattern; a test patterninsertion circuit for inserting an output signal of said input patterngenerator into a channel to be tested; and an encoder for encoding anoutput signal of said test pattern insertion circuit with highefficiency; and a receiving side equipment including: a decoder fordecoding a received signal from said channel to be tested; a linearconverting section for converting said decoded signal to a linearquantized PCM signal; an adder for adding a predetermined offset valueto an output value of said linear converting section; a sign extractingsection for extracting a sign from an output signal of said adder; adelay unit for delaying the extracted sign by a predetermined time; anexclusive OR arithmetic unit for performing an exclusive OR operation ofsaid extracted sign and an output signal of said delay unit; a counterfor counting the number of times of conformity in which an output valueof said exclusive OR arithmetic unit is in conformity with apredetermined value; and a comparator for comparing a counted value ofsaid counter and a predetermined threshold value and outputting judgedresults.
 2. A channel check test system according to claim 1; whereinsaid receiving side equipment includes a second comparator for comparingthe output value of said linear converting section and a secondpredetermined threshold value instead of said adder and said signextracting section; said delay unit delays an output signal of saidsecond comparator by a predetermined time; and said exclusive ORarithmetic unit performs the exclusive OR operation of the output signalof said second comparator and the output signal of said delay unit.
 3. Achannel check test system comprising: a transmitting side equipmentincluding: an input pattern generator for generating a nonlinearquantized input test pattern; a test pattern insertion circuit forinserting an output signal of said input pattern generator into achannel to be tested; and an encoder for encoding an output signal ofsaid test pattern insertion circuit with high efficiency; and areceiving side equipment including: a decoder for decoding a receivedsignal from said channel to be tested; a linear converting section forconverting said decoded signal to a linear quantized PCM signal; anadder for adding a predetermined offset value to an output value of saidlinear converting section; a zero crossing number calculating sectionfor calculating a zero crossing number of an output value of said adder;a first comparator for comparing a value of the zero crossing numberoutputted from said zero crossing number calculating section and a firstpredetermined threshold value and outputting first compared result; asecond comparator for comparing the value of the zero crossing numberoutputted from said zero crossing number calculating section and asecond predetermined threshold value and outputting second comparedresult; and a judging circuit for judging existence or nonexistence ofcontinuity of said channel to be tested on the basis of said first andsecond compared results.
 4. A channel check test system according toclaim 3; wherein said receiving side equipment includes a zero crossinginterval calculating section for calculating a zero crossing interval ofan output value of said adder instead of said zero crossing numbercalculating section; said first comparator compares a value of the zerocrossing interval outputted from said zero crossing interval calculatingsection and the first predetermined threshold value, and outputs thefirst compared result; and the second comparator compares the value ofthe zero crossing interval outputted from said zero crossing intervalcalculating section and the second predetermined threshold value, andoutputs the second compared result.
 5. A channel check test systemaccording to claim 3; wherein said receiving side equipment includes alevel crossing number calculating section for calculating a levelcrossing number of the output value of said linear converting sectioninstead of said adder and said zero crossing number calculating section;said first comparator compares a value of the level crossing numberoutputted from said level crossing number calculating section and thefirst predetermined threshold value, and outputs the first comparedresult; and said second comparator compares the value of the levelcrossing number outputted from said level crossing number calculatingsection and the second predetermined threshold value, and outputs thesecond compared result.
 6. A channel check test system according toclaim 3; wherein said receiving side equipment includes a level crossinginterval calculating section for calculating a level crossing intervalof the output value of said linear converting section instead of saidadder and said zero crossing number calculating section; said firstcomparator compares a value of the level crossing interval outputtedfrom said level crossing interval calculating section and the firstpredetermined threshold value, and outputs the first compared result;and said second comparator compares the value of the level crossinginterval outputted from said level crossing interval calculating sectionand the second predetermined threshold value, and outputs the secondcompared result.
 7. A channel check test system comprising: atransmitting side equipment including: an input pattern generator forgenerating a nonlinear quantized input test pattern; a test patterninsertion circuit for inserting an output signal of said input patterngenerator into a channel to be tested; and an encoder for encoding anoutput signal of said test pattern insertion circuit with highefficiency; and a receiving side equipment including: a decoder fordecoding a received signal from said channel to be tested; a linearconverting section for converting said decoded signal to a linearquantized PCM signal; a zero crossing number calculating section forcalculating a zero crossing number of an output value of said linearconverting section; a level crossing number calculating section forcalculating a level crossing number of the output value of said linearconverting section; a subtracter for calculating the difference betweensaid calculated zero crossing number and said calculated level crossingnumber; an absolute value circuit for calculating an absolute value ofan output value of said subtracter; a comparator for comparing an outputvalue of said absolute value circuit and a third predetermined thresholdvalue and outputting compared result; and a judging circuit for judgingexistence or nonexistence of continuity of said channel to be tested onthe basis of said compared result.
 8. A channel check test systemaccording to claim 7; wherein said receiving side equipment includes azero crossing interval calculating section for calculating a zerocrossing interval of the output value of said linear converting sectionand a level crossing interval calculating section for calculating alevel crossing interval of the output value of said linear convertingsection instead of said zero crossing number calculating section andsaid level crossing number calculating section; and said subtractercalculates the difference between said calculated zero crossing intervaland said calculated level crossing interval.
 9. A channel check testsystem according to claim 1; wherein said receiving side equipmentfurther includes: a signal intensity judging section including: a signalintensity calculating section for calculating intensity of the outputsignal of said linear converting section; a fourth comparator forcomparing said calculated signal intensity and a fourth predeterminedthreshold value and outputting fourth compared result, and a fifthcomparator for comparing said calculated signal intensity and a fifthpredetermined threshold value and outputting fifth compared result; anda judging circuit for judging existence or nonexistence of continuity ofsaid channel to be tested on the basis of said all compared results. 10.A channel check test system according to claim 3; wherein said receivingside equipment further includes: a signal intensity judging sectionincluding: a signal intensity calculating section for calculatingintensity of the output signal of said linear converting section; afourth comparator for comparing said calculated signal intensity and afourth predetermined threshold value and outputting fourth comparedresult, and a fifth comparator for comparing said calculated signalintensity and a fifth predetermined threshold value and outputting fifthcompared result; and said judging circuit judges existence ornonexistence of continuity of said channel to be tested on the basis ofsaid all compared results.
 11. A channel check test system according toclaim 1; wherein the predetermined time in said delay unit is set to amultiple of the time of a half period of said input test pattern.
 12. Achannel check test system according to claim 2; wherein said receivingside equipment further includes: a signal intensity judging sectionincluding: a signal intensity calculating section for calculatingintensity of the output signal of said linear converting section; afourth comparator for comparing said calculated signal intensity and afourth predetermined threshold value and outputting fourth comparedresult, and a fifth comparator for comparing said calculated signalintensity and a fifth predetermined threshold value and outputting fifthcompared result; and a judging circuit for judging existence ornonexistence of continuity of said channel to be tested on the basis ofsaid all compared results.
 13. A channel check test system according toclaim 4; wherein said receiving side equipment further includes: asignal intensity judging section including: a signal intensitycalculating section for calculating intensity of the output signal ofsaid linear converting section; a fourth comparator for comparing saidcalculated signal intensity and a fourth predetermined threshold valueand outputting fourth compared result, and a fifth comparator forcomparing said calculated signal intensity and a fifth predeterminedthreshold value and outputting fifth compared result; and said judgingcircuit judges existence or nonexistence of continuity of said channelto be tested on the basis of said all compared results.
 14. A channelcheck test system according to claim 5; wherein said receiving sideequipment further includes: a signal intensity judging sectionincluding: a signal intensity calculating section for calculatingintensity of the output signal of said linear converting section; afourth comparator for comparing said calculated signal intensity and afourth predetermined threshold value and outputting fourth comparedresult, and a fifth comparator for comparing said calculated signalintensity and a fifth predetermined threshold value and outputting fifthcompared result; and said judging circuit judges existence ornonexistence of continuity of said channel to be tested on the basis ofsaid all compared results.
 15. A channel check test system according toclaim 6; wherein said receiving side equipment further includes: asignal intensity judging section including: a signal intensitycalculating section for calculating intensity of the output signal ofsaid linear converting section; a fourth comparator for comparing saidcalculated signal intensity and a fourth predetermined threshold valueand outputting fourth compared result, and a fifth comparator forcomparing said calculated signal intensity and a fifth predeterminedthreshold value and outputting fifth compared result; and said judgingcircuit judges existence or nonexistence of continuity of said channelto be tested on the basis of said all compared results.
 16. A channelcheck test system according to claim 7; wherein said receiving sideequipment further includes: a signal intensity judging sectionincluding: a signal intensity calculating section for calculatingintensity of the output signal of said linear converting section; afourth comparator for comparing said calculated signal intensity and afourth predetermined threshold value and outputting fourth comparedresult, and a fifth comparator for comparing said calculated signalintensity and a fifth predetermined threshold value and outputting fifthcompared result; and said judging circuit judges existence ornonexistence of continuity of said channel to be tested on the basis ofsaid all compared results.
 17. A channel check test system according toclaim 8; wherein said receiving side equipment further includes: asignal intensity judging section including: a signal intensitycalculation section for calculating intensity of the output signal ofsaid linear converting section; a fourth comparator for comparing saidcalculated signal intensity and a fourth predetermined threshold valueand outputting fourth compared result, and a fifth comparator forcomparing said calculated signal intensity and a fifth predeterminedthreshold value and outputting fifth compared result; and said judgingcircuit judges existence or nonexistence of continuity of said channelto be tested on the basis of said all compared results.
 18. A channelcheck test system according to claim 2; wherein the predetermined timein said delay unit is set to a multiple of the time of a half period ofsaid input test pattern.